WASHINGTON (Feb. 24, 2015) – National Farmers Union (NFU) and a coalition of nearly 400 organizations representing family farmers and ranchers, agribusiness, food banks, environmental and faith-based organizations urged U.S. Senate and House leaders to reject all calls for additional cuts to the 2014 Farm Bill.

“The 2014 Farm Bill required over three years of debate in both chambers of Congress and ultimately ended with the consolidation of over 100 programs and cuts to mandatory spending across many titles, including the elimination of the direct payment program,” noted the letter, sent to the chairman and ranking member of the Senate and House Budget Committees. “These cuts came in addition to those already in effect due to sequestration.”

The letter noted that the bipartisan Farm Bill was estimated to contribute $23 billion to deficit reduction over 10 years, when including sequestration. “These difficult cuts were made across the farm safety net, conservation programs, and nutrition programs,” noted the letter, which was sent late yesterday.

The signators underscored their united opposition to re-opening any title of the Farm Bill during the consideration of the 2016 Budget Resolution and urged both chambers to refrain from including reconciliation instructions to the respective committees with oversight duties for the Farm Bill.

“The 2014 Farm Bill was a great victory for America’s family farmers and ranchers, because it provided them with much-needed stability and also a huge win for taxpayers who will realize real savings from the budget cuts made by the legislation,” noted NFU President Roger Johnson. “The Farm Bill has been debated and passed, and should be left alone.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.